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Seniors programming in Tecumseh got a $15,000 financial boost with the announcement Thursday of additional provincial funding.
The Ontario seniors community grant money follows a $51,137 funding announcement last week from the Ontario government for the Tecumseh Senior Active Living Centre.
“Senior community programming has been a vital service in Tecumseh for decades,” said MPP Andrew Dowie (PC — Windsor-Tecumseh) in a news release.
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“Our government is proud to continue to support the Town of Tecumseh’s services, activities and programs that keep our seniors stay connected all year long.”
In February, Tecumseh town council approved a report recommending the formal launch of a Senior Active Living Centre at the St. Clair Beach Community Centre, to be operated and managed by the Community Support Centre (CSC) of Essex.
It opened May 13 and offers programming previously provided by the Golden Age Club for folks age 55 and older.
“The SALC is a cornerstone of our community, offering resources and activities that help our seniors stay active, engaged, and connected,” Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara said.
“These funding boosts will enable us to expand our programs and reach even more seniors in Tecumseh, ensuring they have the support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
“We are grateful to the Ontario government for recognizing the importance of these centres and for their continued commitment to our older adults.”
The seniors community grants program is an Ontario government grant that offers up to $25,000 per project to invest in local programs, services and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement.
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All programs at the centre, located at 13731 St Gregory’s Rd., are free for the remainder of 2024. On Jan. 1, 2025, there will be an annual membership fee of $25.
Changes to the Seniors Active Living Centres Act, 2017 came into effect on June 1, enabling more types of organizations to deliver seniors active living centre program, with a call for proposals to open later this summer.
Municipalities, local and community-based organizations such as legions and Lion’s Clubs and other social and recreational clubs are eligible.
The government points out statistics show the number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to increase, from 2.8 million or 18.4 per cent of population in 2022, to 4.4 million, or 20.3 per cent by 2046.
And while more seniors live in large urban centres, smaller or rural regions tend to have a higher proportion of seniors in their communities.
There are now 316 seniors active living centre programs across Ontario.
For further information on programming, visit tecumseh.ca.
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